What is toxic to parrots

What's Safe and Dangerous for my Parrot

What's poisonous to parrotsOh my goodness, parrots are such fragile creatures! So many ordinary things can be unsafe and even toxic to them.  Below are lists of dangerous materials. There are grouped into 3 categories: Metals, Wood/Plants, Foods, and Other Items. I also made refrigerator signs for your to easily reference.
Just keep in mind, even if something is labeled as "safe" but the item has an "*" it may not be completely safe and you need to read the precautions. This is our own opinion and you need to seek the advice of your avian vet.
If you like this and want an refrigerator sign for Foods, please post a comment below so I can feature it in an upcoming article. 

Please keep in mind, all parrots are unique, because an item is listed as “safe,” it may have a different effect on your parrot. Some parrots, like humans, have allergies or may be more prone to misusing a toy. If you have any questions about your parrot’s safety, please consult your Avian Veterinarian.

*Denotes item may be unsafe. See precautions.

Print These to keep on your refrigerator:

   safe metals for parrots & dangerous toxic metals for parrots  wood that is safe for parrots & wood that is dangerous toxic for parrots

Metal

Metal Safe / Unsafe Precautions Description Common Sources Abbreviation/ Other Name
Stainless Steel Safe preferred metal to use with parrots. It is a hard surface that can stand up to a large beak and is easily cleaned (Bird Tricks). an alloy that combines about 11% chromium with steel in the product (you will read that chromium contains zinc). Since chromium might only contain a small percentage of zinc, and stainless steel contains only a percentage of chromium, levels are lowered and overall, it is safe.
Stainless Steel should be non-magnetic. If the stainless still has magnetic properties, it is a low grade and you should consider choosing another stainless steel product.		 SS
Tin Safe not toxic to birds (Metals). Also, it does not rust but it does oxidize (WhiteHat, 2015).
Wrought Iron (powder coated) Safe potentially harmful. Wrought Iron is only safe if powder coated or covered with bird safe paint.[2]
Aluminum Safe / Unsafe Very harmful. only safe if powder coated or covered with bird safe paint(2). When aluminum enters the body, it is absorbed and can accumulate in the kidneys, brain, lungs, liver, and thyroid. Research indicates aluminum is a cause of degenerative problems such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Osteoporosis(Dr. Edward Group DC, Toxic Metals, 2013) (Dr. Edward Group DC, Aluminum Linked to Disease, 2014).
Galvanized Unsafe Extremely toxic Galvanized metals contain zinc. Galvanizing is the process during which metals are plated with a thin coating of zinc to make them less corrosive. When intended for outdoor use, these metals are galvanized to make them weather resistant (Metals).
Alloys Unsafe potentially toxic. find out what metals are used in the alloy to determining if the alloy is toxic or safe (Jones). An alloy is a combination of metal used together to increase the strength or the resistance to corrosion in the final product (Bird Tricks).
Brass Unsafe potentially toxic an alloy of copper and zinc are both potentially toxic to birds (Metals).
Chrome, Chromium, or Chrome-Plated Unsafe potentially toxic. They sometimes incorporate zinc and there is not a practical way to know. Because of the possibility of zinc, the use of chrome is discouraged with birds – even though it is possibly safe (Bird Tricks). alloys
Copper Unsafe potentially toxic Acidic foods stored in copper containers may leach out copper, and occasionally copper piping for water is a potential source of increased copper in the diet if the water is slightly acidic and has been allowed to remain in contact with the piping for some length of time. Allowing the water from the tap to run for a few minutes before filling the water dishes will prevent this problem (Metals).
Iron Unsafe not toxic to birds (Metals) but it will rust when introduced to water. Because water is common in the parrot environment if only for the purpose of cleaning, iron is not a good choice in the long run (Bird Tricks).
Lead Unsafe Extremely toxic lead paint, curtain weights, lead frames of stained glass windows, and tiffany lamps, and weighted ashtrays and toys (Metals).
Nickel and Nickel-Plated Unsafe Very harmful. Nickel is one of many carcinogenic (cancer-causing) metals known to be an environmental and occupational pollutant. The New York University School of Medicine warns that chronic exposure has been connected with increased risk of lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, neurological deficits, and developmental deficits in childhood.
Nickel exposure introduces free radicals, which lead to oxidative damage and may also affect the kidneys and liver. (Dr. Edward Group DC, Health Dangers of Nickel, 2013)
In addition, with nickel-plated metals, owners need to be aware of the metal under the plating. If a parrot wears down the plating, it may be exposed to a toxic metal.
Oxidation Unsafe
Rust Unsafe
Steel Unsafe not toxic to birds (Metals) but it will rust when introduced to water. Because water is common in the parrot environment, if only for the purpose of cleaning, steel is not a good choice in the long run (Bird Tricks).
-treated with anti-rust paints Unsafe potentially toxic may include zinc.
Zinc Unsafe Extremely toxic galvanized cage wire, clips or staples, bird toy snaps, zippers, keys, nails, plumbing nuts, nuts on animal transport cages, hardware cloth, padlocks, chrome, and some anti-rust paints, shampoos and skin preparations (Metals).

Wood/Plants

Wood Safe / Unsafe Precautions Description Common Sources Abbreviation/ Other Name
Acacia Safe
Alder Safe
Almond Safe
Apple Safe
Apricot * Safe
Arbutus Safe
Ash Safe
Aspen Safe
Bamboo Safe
Beech Safe
Birch Safe
Black Walnut (see Walnut) Safe
Bois d'arc * Safe
Bottle Brush Safe
Cedar * Safe
Cherry * Safe
Citrus Safe
Cork Oak * Safe
Cottonwood Safe
Crabapple Safe
Dogwood Safe
Dragonwood Safe
Elm Safe
Eucalyptus * Safe Leaves and seeds may be toxic.
Fig Species Safe
Fir Safe
Fruitless Mulberry Safe
Ginkgo * Safe
Goat Willow (see willow) Safe willow
Grape Palm Safe
Grape Vines Safe
Guava Safe
Hackberry Safe
Hawthorn Safe
Hazelnut Safe
Hibiscus Safe
Hickory Safe
Horse Apple * Safe
Ironwood Safe
Java *(1) Safe may be slippery coffee wood
Larch Safe
Lilac Safe
Liquidamber Safe
Madrona Safe
Magnolia Safe
Manzanita *(1) Safe
Maple Safe
Mediterranean Laurel Safe
Mesquite * Safe remove thorns
Mimosa Safe
Mulberry Safe
Nectarine * Safe
Norfolk Island Pine Safe
Nut * Safe Chestnut and Oak is NOT safe
Oak * Safe wood only no bark or leaves, or Acorns
Palm Safe
Papaya Safe
Peach * Safe
Pear Safe
Pecan Safe
Pine Safe
Plum * Safe
Poplar Safe
Prune * Safe
Pussy Willow (see willow) Safe
Redwood (see Sequoia) * Safe
Ribbonwood Safe
Rose Safe
Sassafras Safe
Sequoia (see Redwood) * Safe
Spruce Safe
Sweet Gum Safe
Sycamore Safe
Thurlow Safe
Tree fern Safe
Umbrella tree Safe
Vine Maple Safe
Walnut * Safe Black Walnut may be dangerous
Weeping Willow (see willow) Safe
Willow Safe
Coffee Wood (see Java) * Safe Java
Apricot Unsafe Gillian Willis on her website says "They contain cyanogenic glycosides which release cyanide if ingested.
Black Locust Unsafe Has been cited as causing some toxic reactions with birds, though members of this species are also known as the Acacia, which is listed as safe.
Bois d'arc Unsafe Bois d'arc, which is also called the Horse Apple tree, and this is in the Mulberry family and is a safe wood but I had to write a lot of bird folks.
Box Elder Wood Unsafe UNSAFE
Cedar* Unsafe Occasionally appears on safe lists.  If Cedar is to be used, Red cedar should be avoided for the same reasons as redwood.  Yellow and Sitka Cedar may be safe though. 
Cherry Unsafe Gillian Willis on her website says "They contain cyanogenic glycosides which release cyanide if ingested. this one is really controversial.  there are confirmed cases of dogs and of horses having fatal reactions to eating cherry wood.  However, I have been unable to find any confirmed report of bird fatalities.  Regardless the sap is what contains the toxic elements (see Gillians Help pages) and that is contained primarily in the Cambium, a layer of material just below the bark.  If cherry is to be used it should be dry, debarked and any traces of sap removed.  Under no circumstances should fresh cherry, the foliage or bark be given to birds.
Chestnut Unsafe
Chinese Magnolia Unsafe The wood, foliage, and flowers all appear to be safe, but I have been unable to confirm this. According to CSUF biologists and agronomists, they could see no reason to consider it dangerous (it is not a known toxic plant) but know of no reason to consider it completely safe either.
Chinese Popcorn Unsafe UNSAFE
Chinese Snake Tree Unsafe A VERY TOXIC plant and even contact with the sap (through the skin) can present the risk of fatality to small animals and children. Occasionally appears in gardens as an exotic ornamental. It is sometimes called the Lacquer plant because it was the source of lacquer.
Cork Oak Unsafe A safe wood to leave the bark on.  Cork oak has very low levels of tannin (far lower than other oaks) and the bark is just what the name says 'Cork"  Cork Oak is originally from southern Europe and is the source of all-natural cork.  The bark is very thick and well, cork-like.  It can be found wherever there are old wine-growing areas as it was grown to provide corks for the bottles.  It is also found scattered around the southeastern US and California.  Because of its very low tannin content, it is safe for use in food storage (the cork in the wine bottle, oil bottles, etc.)  There is a similar species found native to North America, the Prairie Oak a variety of live oak is found throughout the great plains and east to Ohio.  It has a very thick cork-like bark, however, I do not know what the safety factor for this species would be.
Eucalyptus Unsafe While it appears on many toxic lists I have never been able to find a good reason for it being there. The level of phenols (the toxic elements in eucalyptus) is lower than in many pine species which are considered perfectly safe.  While you might want to avoid the foliage there doesn't appear to be any reason to do so. Considering that many lorikeet and cockatoo species eat the flowers and new leaves in the wild and that it is the dominant native wood for Australia concern over its toxicity seems exaggerated. 
Ginkgo Unsafe While the female Ginkgo may have an unpleasant smell the wood, bark, and foliage all appear to be safe.
Hem-Fir Unsafe See Hemlock
Hemlock Unsafe The wood that is sold in lumber yards (sometimes called Hem-Fir) is safe but the foliage is toxic. No other species of hemlock should be considered safe. 
Java / Coffee Wood* Unsafe May be slippery, Don't use for resting perch or perch near water. (1)
Horse Apple Unsafe see Bois d'arc
Lacquer plant Unsafe See Chinese Snake Tree
Laurel Unsafe appears on most toxic lists.  Most Laurel species are toxic but the Mediterranean Laurel is safe. Distinguishing the species can be difficult though and unless the species is known absolutely it should be avoided. 
Manzanita* Unsafe May be slippery, Don't use for resting perch or perch near water. (1)
London Tree Unsafe is in the sycamore family, and is currently under research.
Nectarine Unsafe Gillian Willis on her website says "They contain cyanogenic glycosides which release cyanide if ingested.
Oak Unsafe Oak appears on a number of toxic lists, primarily because of the tannin in the leaves and acorns.  In the writer’s opinion, this is totally unjustified, the wood should be perfectly fine as it is not generally eaten and contains little tannin in most species. Though there is some controversy about Oak it appears that the wood should be safe.  the bark leaves and especially the acorns have much higher levels of tannins and should be avoided.  While many bird species including many parrots regularly feed on nuts and vegetation that have levels of tannin much higher than oaks, it is unclear how their bodies deal with the substance and it is therefore probably advisable to avoid high doses. 
Peach Unsafe Gillian Willis on her website says "They contain cyanogenic glycosides which release cyanide if ingested.
Pitch Pine Unsafe To be avoided.  It was the source material for turpentine and has VERY high levels of phenols.  Contact with the wood can cause rashes and the fumes from burning it has been known to cause lung and eye disorders.
Plum Unsafe Gillian Willis on her website says "They contain cyanogenic glycosides which release cyanide if ingested.
Prune Unsafe Gillian Willis on her website says "They contain cyanogenic glycosides which release cyanide if ingested.
Prunus Species Unsafe Gillian Willis on her website says "They contain cyanogenic glycosides which release cyanide if ingested.
Redwood* Unsafe Redwood has long been associated with rashes and dust with lung and eye disorders.  It contains high levels of volatile oils that are known toxins.  Further exposure is believed to suppress the immune system. Do not give the birds redwood.  The oils the wood contains are toxic.  But the biggest problem is if they get a splinter, redwood tends to block the immune response and they become infected quite easily.
Sequoia* Unsafe see Redwood
Sumac Unsafe UNSAFE (aka Rhus/Toxicodendron)
Tan Oak Unsafe Should be avoided because of the VERY high tannin content
Chinese Tallow Unsafe see Chinese Popcorn

Food

Food Safe / Unsafe Precautions Description Common Sources Abbreviation/ Other Name
Acorn Healthy cooked
Alcohol Toxic
Apples Healthy Remove seeds/pits from most fruits as they can be toxic!
Apples and Grapes Limit due to high sugar content.
Apricots Healthy w/ pits removed
Asparagus Unsafe can cause digestive upset
Avocado Toxic in any form, including guacamole
Bananas Healthy
Beet greens Healthy
Beets Healthy
Blackberries Healthy
Blueberries Healthy
Broccoli Healthy
Brussels Sprouts Healthy Cooked or raw
Butternut Healthy cooked
Caffeine Toxic soda, coffee
Carrots Healthy
Cauliflower Healthy
Cherries Toxic
Chocolate Toxic
Cocoa Toxic
Coconut Oil Healthy Source: MercolaHealthPet
Coconuts Healthy
Collard Greens Healthy
Corn and Peas Limit due to sugar and starch content
Dairy products Toxic
Dried Beans Healthy cooked thoroughly to add to fresh food. Use the smaller varieties like navy, black, pinto, red, etc.
Garlic Toxic
Kidney beans and larger beans Avoid
Leaves of potato plants Toxic
Leaves of tomato plants Toxic
Lima beans Unsafe never feed them to your bird
Mango Healthy
Meats Healthy fully cooked in small quantities occasionally. This might seem weird, but most parrots love chicken wings!
Melons Healthy Remove seeds/pits from most fruits as they can be toxic!
Most Fruits with pits Toxic
Mushrooms Toxic
Mustard Healthy
Nectarines Healthy w/ pits removed
Nuts Healthy
Nuts Healthy unsalted nuts in or out of the shell for a great snack. Smaller birds should eat nuts sparingly but macaws actually need them in their diets (try walnuts, brazil nuts, and almonds in the shell).
Onions Toxic
Papaya Healthy
Pasta and Grains Healthy These are foods that your bird will love! Because of their high starch and sugar content, they should be given only occasionally and in limited amounts. You can serve brown rice, quinoa, or pasta made from whole wheat, and they should all be fully cooked. You can also mix in a small amount of a high-quality seed mix with the fresh food but do so very sparingly. Far too many parrots have suffered an early death because their owners fed them a diet too rich in seeds! For this same reason, you should never feed a parrot wild bird food!
Peaches Toxic
Peanuts Limit only offer human-grade roasted & unsalted from the grocery store. Check for signs of mold on the shells. Peanut shells can carry aspergillosis, which can kill your bird.
Pears Healthy
Pellets Healthy There are a variety of dry “pelleted” parrot foods available at your pet store or online. Some very high-quality mixes are made by Zupreem, Roudybush and Harrisons. They are blended to supply a wide variety of nutrients that your parrot needs and can be mixed into your fresh food mix or in a separate bowl for snacking. They should be considered a very necessary addition to, but not a replacement for fresh foods.
People food Healthy Every once in awhile give your bird some “people food” It helps to provide variety and excitement. Just don’t let this become a lazy habit as the bird will begin to avoid his food in anticipation of getting some of yours.
Peppers - hot or sweet Healthy
Pits/Seeds of most fruits Toxic especially apples!
Plums Healthy w/ pits removed
Pomegranates Healthy
Raspberries Healthy
Red Palm Oil Healthy Source: MercolaHealthPet
Salt Avoid
spaghetti Healthy cooked
Spinach Healthy
Strawberries Healthy
Sugar Avoid
Sweet Potatoes Healthy Cooked
Wild Bird Seed Unsafe

Other Items

Item Safe / Unsafe Precautions Description Common Sources Abbreviation/ Other Name
toy rings May be unsafe all parts should be large enough to allow the bird to pass completely through them
bars May be unsafe smaller than the width of the head inside of the eyes.
paper rolls (toilet paper & paper towels) May be unsafe may contain toxic glue. Watch to see if roll winds up in water bowl and eliminate them if the bird insists on soaking them (pg 81)
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